CBC Construction turns 10

Tauranga’s leading commercial construction company, CBC Construction, is celebrating 10 years in business.

Drew Beekie, CBC Construction founder and managing co-director, says his unwavering vision and philosophy of, “If we say we'll do something, we mean it” is the cornerstone of his company’s success.

“Celebrating our 10-year anniversary is a pleasing milestone for us. To have every project completed on time and on budget for our clients is where success lies for us. We have grown to be one of the largest commercial construction companies in the Bay of Plenty, with an excellent reputation and have enjoyed winning a few awards along the way for our high-quality buildings. Of course we’ve had highs and lows but most importantly reaching a decade proves trustworthiness and shows progress. I am very proud of our company and our team,” says Drew.

Drew began his career 22 years ago in London in the commercial construction industry. Like most immigrants, he decided to move to New Zealand for a better lifestyle, and secured a role at Downer Construction, Auckland.

“It was soon after I moved to Tauranga that I met Classic Builders co-director Peter Cooney. We got talking and eventually went into partnership with him and Classic Builders other co-director Matt Lagerberg to start CBC Construction,” says Drew.

Drew quickly built up his team of quantity surveyors and construction managers, turning over $25M in its first fiscal year.

“The key to delivering good projects is its people,” says Drew. “I have always been very deliberate in employing only the best staff. Our goal is to offer outstanding-value projects whilst building an easy-to-deal-with reputation. So, I won’t fill a role for the sake of it or because of time pressures.”

Drew would rather wait until he gets the right personality and skill set for the role. “Our team gels together easily and I think this is reflected in the fact I haven’t received a resignation in 10 years until late last year for a younger team member who wanted to travel,” he says.

A significant benefit for CBC is being able to tap into Classic Group resources, such as administration, finance and marketing teams, who work in the same office.

Drew recalls a number of highlights over the years but none more so than the Trustpower head office, Durham Street, recently opened.

“Trustpower’s building is without doubt the finest in Tauranga. We are very proud to be associated with such fine architecture. I have also really appreciated Trustpower staff who have been forthcoming in positive feedback about the CBC team and our high quality workmanship,” says Drew.

While CBC Tauranga is a multi-million-dollar operation with significant projects built within the commercial, industrial, apartment, interior fitting out, education and retirement industries, Drew shares his time between Tauranga and his focus is on growing CBC Auckland.

“For the next five years we will focus on mid-size projects for our CBC Auckland office. We have already secured $30M worth of commercial work, which is a great start,” says Drew.